Maui Beach

When the first explores returned home from Tahiti they boasted about finding heaven on earth, and its no surprise – lush tropical rainforests meet divine beaches with sparkling blue waters, volcanic peaks tower behind and the sun shines brightly overhead. Dazzling Maui Beach may just be the reason they thought that - similar to its namesake in Hawaii, is one of the most picturesque beaches in Tahiti.

La plage de Maui, as the locals call it, is one of the only white sand beaches on the island, drawing tourists who seek the comfort of something a little more familiar. It lines Tahiti’s south coast, around PK6, a bit over half an hour away from Papeete. The dazzling piece of sand borders the Bay of Tapueraha, the deepest and most splendid natural harbour on Tahiti. Maui Beach is one of the best places on the island to slow down and appreciate the Polynesian way of life and embrace the warm and casual spirit of the locals. Wander to the nearby lagoon and swim in the clean, warm waters, or walk through the rainforest to Caverna de Maui.

However, if all you want to do is lie on the beach in the sun, Maui Beach is the place to do it. A few hours spent on the sand can be accompanied by a fresh seafood meal at one of the local cafes, or a quick snack at the beach’s snack bar – this comes well-recommended, offering a local twist on versions of popular snacks. Maui Beach is a magical place where worries just melt away in the warm Tahitian sun – why would you ever want to leave?